"Today, Republicans choose once again to obstruct instead of make meaningful progress on an issue important to millions of American families. By blocking the Paycheck Fairness Act, Senate Republicans followed their House colleagues, who unanimously rejected its consideration on the Floor last week.

“It is not acceptable that women in America still earn, on average, 77 cents to every dollar earned by a man for performing the same job. The Paycheck Fairness Act would make it harder for employers to discriminate against women by paying lower salaries and benefits. I have always believed equal opportunity and equal treatment for women and men in the workplace is an issue of basic fairness and a reflection of the value we place on the equal role of women in American society. Achieving equal pay will help women and their families access opportunities for advancement as our economic recovery continues.

“I urge House and Senate Republicans to reverse course on equal pay and work with Democrats to pass this bill and allow women to receive the compensation they have earned for their hard work.”